We wish you a Happy New Year and for you to become the healthiest version of yourself in 2023! We always love reading about your New Year health goals, so please feel free to send them to us.
As we move into January, we hear news reports ramping up the fear around winter illnesses such as colds and flu. The reports also highlight the high numbers of children experiencing fever and flu and that this is “likely to continue to increase in coming weeks.”
Even more concerning, however, is that health experts are actively encouraging children to stay off school!
While the intent of this is to reduce the spread and severity of germs and influenza, many parents are now reluctant to reduce the number of school days off when children have already spent quite a lot of time away from the classroom in previous years.
If you have children or grandchildren, you naturally care about their well-being and want to ensure they have a successful, happy, healthy life.
The good news is that there are natural ways to protect your children from colds and flu!
As children’s immune systems develop, they must get the proper nutrients that can provide a strong natural defence against germs that can otherwise contribute towards colds and flu.
Here are some of our top nutrient recommendations that can help you to stay healthy at any age…
Vitamin D3
Taking Vitamin D3 is essential for supporting a healthy immune system as it plays a vital role in modulating innate and adaptive immune responses.
Studies show that taking Vitamin D3 can protect against colds and flu. One study found that children were 42 per cent less likely to come down with the flu if they took Vitamin D3. [1]
Liposomal Vitamin C
Research shows that taking Vitamin C daily is essential for your child’s immune system. As a powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C can help the body’s defences to fight inflammation and boost immunity.
Vitamin C also helps to protect the body against infection by protecting white blood cells function more effectively. It also protects them from damage against harmful molecules such as free radicals. [2]
Over the past few years, studies have shown that taking Vitamin C can help to ease respiratory symptoms and may benefit colds and flu thanks to its antiviral properties.
Silver
Contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can help fight germs and provide an effective barrier against infections.
We recommend Hydrosol Silver™ Spray from Good Health Naturally, as this contains pure silver with a unique patented Silver technology that can act as your family’s first line of defence. Providing a powerful 10ppm of Silver, just a few sprays in the mouth are all that’s needed to support your immune system.
Selenium
As a critical nutrient, Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that can help to boost immune function and protect cells from damage. It does this by lowering oxidative stress in the body, reducing inflammation and enhancing immunity. Studies have also shown that the immune response is enhanced when there are increased levels of Selenium in the blood. [3]
Probiotics
Taking Probiotics can help to support a healthy gut microbiome, building a more robust immune system. Probiotics are “good” bacteria that can help to maintain digestive health, boost the immune system, and this may also help to protect against infections.
References:
[1] https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/91/5/1255/4597253
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5707683/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3723386/
Avoid Junk Food and Sugar To Stay Healthy
Ensuring your children get enough of these critical nutrients and follow a healthy lifestyle is recommended. Avoiding starchy carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta, cereals, and sweet foods, is also ideal. Sugar consumption can lower the body’s immune response, making you more susceptible to colds or flu.
Junk food is everywhere these days and is being forced on children from a young age, both by food companies and their peers. We encourage parents to get their children involved in preparing real food with you.
We recommend eating a diet rich in green leafy vegetables, wild-caught oily fish, dark-skinned fruits, nuts and seeds, as these foods are ideal for best health and promoting overall well-being.
There are plenty of recipe ideas online, and it’s advised to make sure that the whole family sit down together to eat. Why not take a look at www.reallyhealthyfoods.com to get started on your health journey this year?
Limit Screen Time
In 2023, every child seems to have a computer or mobile device to hand. Excessive screen time is associated with increased cortisol levels – stress hormones that can play an essential role in relaxation.
When cortisol levels are high, it can cause a stressed immune system response that may otherwise lead to illness. To stay healthy and relaxed, avoiding overexposure to blue light emitted from these devices, especially before going to sleep, is recommended.
Exercise Outside
One of the best ways to boost immune health is to exercise outdoors. Excellent forms of exercise include cycling, swimming or even walking, as research shows they can all help to increase blood flow and relieve stress – both of which can significantly affect the immune system.
Don’t Forget To Socialise!
After the past few years, we must remember to go outside and socialise with others. Research shows that the more isolated you are, the more that your immune system is weakened.
You may want to consider getting your children involved in a school club or group activities, as this can also help develop children’s communication and social skills.
Studies also show that going outside and getting enough sunlight can boost your Vitamin D3 levels and promote optimal immune health.
Recommended Examples From Our Sponsor,
Good Health Naturally:
Children’s Vitamin D3 and K2 Sublingual Spray™
All-in-one vegan-friendly sublingual spray for infants and children. Vitamin D3 and K2 may support the healthy development of children’s bones, teeth, and a healthy immune system. Provides flexible dosing for all ages. One spray provides 200IU. Children under 12 should take two sprays daily, providing the government-recommended 400IU. 30ml/1 fl.oz.
PureC+ Liposomal Vitamin C and Quercetin
High-quality Liposomal Vitamin C with Quercetin provides superior absorption benefits for optimal health. PureC™ delivers 1000mg of Liposomal Vitamin C, 175mg of Quercetin, plus 1000mg of Phosphatidylcholine (PC) per serving. PureC™ can support the body’s immune system response. Taken off the spoon, allowing flexible dosing, so a little amount can be given to children. It is suitable for vegans and is recommended for the whole family. 180ml/6 fl. oz.
Hydrosol™ Silver Spray
Aѕ a powerful 10ррm ѕіlvеr ѕоlutіоn, Hydrosol Silver is designed to bооѕt thе іmmunе ѕуѕtеm. Thе strength іѕ 15 µS (mісrоѕіеmеn). 100% vegetarian аnd gluten-free. Recommended by doctors and manufactured using Sіlvеr Technology. It has bееn scientifically tеѕtеd and іѕ a 10ppm Sіlvеr ѕоlutіоn. Othеr іngrеdіеntѕ: оnlу dеіоnіzеd water. Nо аrtіfісіаl іngrеdіеntѕ, рrеѕеrvаtіvеѕ оr additives. 113ml/4 fl.oz.
Daily Immune Protection™
A unique formulation of proven ingredients, D.I.P. includes EpiCor® and eXselen™ Selenium with Vitamin D3, which can support a balanced immune system. Along with helping protect against infections, D.I.P. can boost the immune response against allergens, which can have other health and wellness benefits for the body. 90 vegetable capsules.
Probiotic14™
Contains a superior blend оf 14 vіаblе ѕtrаіnѕ оf frіеndlу bасtеrіа аnd nine bіllіоn colony fоrmіng units. Contains fruсtооlіgоѕассhаrіdеѕ that саn іmрrоvе dіgеѕtіvе hеаlth. Suрроrtѕ dіgеѕtіvе hеаlth, аnd ѕtrеngthеnѕ thе іmmunе response. 120 vegetable capsules.
